two car accidents a year apart

I appreciate any advice you can give me. Last September in Washington State I was involved in a front end collision. My car was considered totalled and I had neck and back pain. I've been treating of and on for a year for my injuries. I have been seeing a chiropracter for the last 4 months and wasn't finished with treatment or a settlement yet, when this September 25th I was rear ended and my injuries that were getting better just got reaggrevated and now I have to see my chiropracter more frequently. Should I settle my 1st accident because now it should be under this 2nd accident? Do I tell the ins. co from the 1st accident that I was in a 2nd accident? The 1st accident was more serious than the 2nd as far as impact but I feel like I have to start over with my treatment again. One more question, Do I have to sign a release of information to the claims adjuster of the 2nd accident to release all of my medical records prior to and after this accident? Thanks for your time!


[This message has been edited by karla (edited October 05, 2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by karla:
I appreciate any advice you can give me. Last September in Washington State I was involved in a front end collision. My car was considered totalled and I had neck and back pain. I've been treating of and on for a year for my injuries. I have been seeing a chiropracter for the last 4 months and wasn't finished with treatment or a settlement yet, when this September 25th I was rear ended and my injuries that were getting better just got reaggrevated and now I have to see my chiropracter more frequently. Should I settle my 1st accident because now it should be under this 2nd accident? Do I tell the ins. co from the 1st accident that I was in a 2nd accident? The 1st accident was more serious than the 2nd as far as impact but I feel like I have to start over with my treatment again. One more question, Do I have to sign a release of information to the claims adjuster of the 2nd accident to release all of my medical records prior to and after this accident? Thanks for your time!


[This message has been edited by karla (edited October 05, 2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was in a similar situation as you. In 1992, I was in accident where I needed medical treatment from a chiropractor. Four months later I was rear-ended and was still in treatment with the doctor. My doctor was able to determine how far along in treatment I was on the first injury and where I was in treatment for the second injury. He was able to determine what percentage of the treatment was for the first as well as the second injury. Personally I wouldnt settle until you are done with treatment.. HOWEVER, I would double check the statue of limiations in your state. Some states (I live in Ca) say you must settle or file a lawsuit within one year (I think) of the date of the incident. Talk to your doctor and see what they say about splitting up the charges for each accident if possible.

I am NOT a lawyer nor do I proclaim to be. The posting above is merely my opinion, no more no less. I have no legal training in any way shape or form. Always contact an attorney before making any legal decisions.

Thank you LadyFable for your advice!